GR!DSM Lesson Studios
Rock On with Music Lessons at Girls Rock DSM!
Whether you're an emerging artist or seeking to amplify your skills, our expert instructors from Girls Rock DSM are your ultimate stage crew & mentors.
Weekly individual lessons include:
Keys: Command the keyboard and let your fingers ignite the stage.
Voice: Harness your vocal power and set the room ablaze.
Bass Guitar: Plunge into the rhythmic depths of bass guitar wizardry.
Guitar: Learn riffs and how to shred on rhythm or lead guitar
Drums: Be the heart of the band with four-on-the-floor and more
Songwriting: Forge your sonic path and craft anthems that resonate.
Group Lessons: Elevate your musical prowess through our collaborative group sessions:
Music Theory: Decode the secrets of music in engaging group encounters.
MEET OUR LESSON INSTRUCTORS:
Torina Gedler
“Torina Gedler (“Tori,” they/them, she/her) is a songwriter, composer, and musician with a 4 year music degree from Drake University, additional music therapy experience from Wartburg College, and can be heard on streaming platforms under their artist name, Torinasaurus. Though not a music therapist, Tori likes to incorporate therapeutic methods with their approach to teaching, implementing structure based on each student’s unique needs. Tori is passionate about helping others find their unique voice through music and is so excited to welcome folks into their studio!”
Taylor Raibikis
“Taylor is a music educator and private lesson instructor based in Des Moines, Iowa. They provide private lessons for voice, piano, and electric bass students. They began their musical journey when they began taking piano lessons at eight years old. Taylor has been playing bass for nearly a decade, and they are classically trained in voice. Taylor graduated from Buena Vista University with degrees in music education and music performance with a focus on voice.
Taylor is trained in several different styles of piano and bass, including classical, jazz, pop/contemporary, rock, and singer/songwriter. Taylor’s aim in lessons is to provide a well-rounded experience where students not only meet and exceed their personal goals, but learn all kinds of repertoire to become well-versed in many styles. Taylor’s students will not only become musicians, but problem solvers, communicators, and independent learners. Taylor accepts a variety of students, from beginner to advanced and from ages 8 and up.
Contact Taylor by email (raibikis.taylor@gmail.com)”
Cameron Mertes
“Cameron is a 16 year-old multi instrumentalist based in Des Moines, Iowa. He has played guitar for 8 years, eventually learning bass and drums. Cameron has been performing shows around the Des Moines area since 2019, even playing at Milwaukee Summerfest with School of Rock. Cam is involved with Girls Rock Des Moines and the School of Rock West Des Moines House Band. He helps teach School of Rock Camps in the summer, and volunteers with GRDSM year round. Cameron is passionate in playing/performing music and dedicated to teaching others how to play as well.
Cam teaches beginner/intermediate guitar players, beginner/intermediate/advanced bass players, and beginner drummers.
Contact Cam by email (mertes.cameronf@gmail.com).”
Allegra Hernandez
“Allegra Hernandez is a musician and guitarist from Des Moines, IA. Their music is layered with intricate dynamics and rich, melodic, guitar on top of heartfelt vocals. Allegra lets the music speak for itself onstage, with an organic and loud performance. With elements of rock, melodic hooks, and splashes of technical skill, Allegra taps into a realm of musical versatility. Strong songwriting and vocals are combined with exceptional guitar playing, big chunky distortion, searing leads, and first-person vignettes.
Aside from being an artist, Allegra also is a music educator and teaches guitar and bass lessons at School of Rock West Des Moines while also being a show director for the school's student bands. Additionally, they also studied music at McNally Smith College of Music and Berklee College of Music, where they graduated from in 2020. They also work with a local non-profit, Girls Rock! Des Moines. As a non-binary person, Allegra is passionate about supporting and uplifting transgender, gender non-conforming, and queer youth. They are also passionate about making music accessible to everyone. Find Allegra's music on major streaming platforms. “
LOCATION:
Location: Windsor Presbyterian Church - North, double doors, Upstairs.
Day and Time: Tuesdays & Saturdays, 9am onwards. Approximate times may vary with your instructor.
Cost: $25 one-time registration fee; tuition costs vary by teacher
Who can sign up: Lessons are open to all folx! (Cis-women, cis-men, nonbinary, trans, gender non-conforming youth and adults!)
Our instrument library is available for free to all lessons students, and anyone within the GRDSM community for free. Email Programming@girlsrockdsm.org if you need to check out an instrument for lessons.
What age can I start my student?
5 years of age & up depending on instrument and instructor; adults are also welcome!
Each instructor sets their own studio policies regarding age, price, etc.
Fill out this form to streamline the signup process! If you have any questions, email Programming@girlsrockdsm.org for more info!